Middle Grove, NY - Roland M. Morris passed away peacefully at home on Saturday December 22, 2018 surrounded by his loved ones.  He was born in Ballston Spa, N.Y. on June 30, 1926, and was the son of the late Lawrence Morris and Bessie (Henry) Morris.

He proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the US Army as a Combat Infantryman assigned to the First Battalion 417th Infantry during World War II from 1944-1946, as part of the US coalition central European campaign Rhineland. In 1948 he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard where he continued to serve until 1951. He worked at General Electric Company in Schenectady NY as a Welder for 40 years until his retirement in 1986.

In 1949 he married the love of his life Gwendolyn and shared 68 blessed years by her side. Together they cared for and fostered children for 15 years, and later adopted their four daughters.  He was devoted to his Catholic faith, the Lord and church. More than anything he was a man who loved his family. He enjoyed family vacations, boating, reading, music, any good western movie especially with John Wayne, working in the yard, gardening, spinning at the Saratoga race track during the summer, building and fixing things in his garage. He loved all animals and never turned away a stray, if they showed up they became family. He saw the absolute best in everything and everyone and if you knew him, you loved him. He had a kind word and gentle smile for all who crossed his path. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend too many. He will be greatly missed.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Gwendolyn, his loving daughter Carolyn (Morris) Trice, his beloved grandson William Vernum Jr., his loving brothers, Fred Morris, Lawrence Morris, Clayton Morris and Charles Morris.

He is survived by his loving daughters Linda Morris, Jeanne (Morris) Hodnett, Pamela (Morris) (Thomas) Byykkonen. Also survived by his grandchildren Julia Schmid (Matt), Thomas Byykkonen II, William R. Ward (Melanie), Ryan P. Hodnett ( Riley ), Matthew, Kelly, Christina, Jennifer, great grandchildren Trinity, William, Jackson, Cash, and several nieces and nephews.

The Morris family wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Community Hospice of Saratoga, Karen Murdick, Karen Buczkowski, Brian Dykemo, Joyce Crawford for your love and compassion. We would also like to thank, Bill Trice, Dr. Gloria Ethier, Jane Stephans, Dr. Andrij Baran, Michelle Bracket, Dr. Rachid Daoui for their years of care. Finally we would like to thank Tony and Kelley Santiago, Dave and Kathy Kreski, Duane and Kelly Hammond, Rhonda and Jeremy Mahay, for always being there for our family and loving our Dad so much. We are eternally grateful.

Family and friends are invited to call from 9-10am on Friday, December 28, 2018 at St. Joseph's Church, Greenfield Center.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am following visitation.

Burial with military honors will be held following Mass in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373).

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.